Ballet brings the cosmos to the Baxter

Joburg Ballet will bring a journey through the origins of the universe to Cape Town in November, combining dance, live piano, scientific narration and cinematic projections.

Celestial Bodies will run for five performances at the Pam Golding Theatre at the Baxter from 12 to 15 November, following its Johannesburg premiere in October 2025 and sold-out performances at the UJ Arts Centre in April 2026.

Choreographed by Joburg Ballet’s Naledi Award-winning associate choreographer Mario Gaglione, the production was developed with Universe on Stage’s physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer Yasheen Modi.

Pontiggia narrates the performance live, while Modi, an actuary and classically trained pianist, performs his original score. The work follows the journey from the Big Bang and the formation of matter to the emergence of life.

Gaglione said the collaboration grew from watching Universe on Stage’s production Hidden Giants and imagining how its combination of science, music and storytelling could be expressed through movement.

“Universe on Stage was founded on a simple philosophy: to give audiences the gift of wonder and curiosity,” Pontiggia said.

He described dance as another language through which to explore rhythm, interaction and the connections between cosmic energy and human life.

The programme also offers opportunities to meet the creative team and participate in dance activities.

A pre-performance talk will take place on Thursday, 12 November, at 17:30. Tickets cost R100 and are available as an add-on to bookings for that evening’s performance.

On Saturday, 14 November, artistic director Dane Hurst will lead a ballet barre and contemporary centre class from 09:30 to 11:00. Gaglione will then present a workshop based on Celestial Bodies from 11:00 to 12:30.

“This is a ballet that carries us into the essence of life itself,” Gaglione said. “We are all part of an ever-expanding universe; reflections of the very stars we gaze upon.” Performances are scheduled for:

• Thursday, 12 November, at 19:00.
• Friday, 13 November, at 19:00.
• Saturday, 14 November, at 14:00 and 19:00.
• Sunday, 15 November, at 14:00.

Tickets range from R250 to R625, with bookings through Webtickets. Class and workshop enquiries can be directed to info@joburgballet.com.

Sources: Joburg Ballet, supplied production announcement and official performance listings; Baxter Theatre Centre, event listing; WeekendSpecial, 16 October 2026, & Artslink.